Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• contrary
• opposite
• unfavorable
• diametrical
• diametric
• polar
• hostile
• negative
• antipodal
• antagonistic
• adverse
• divergent
• antipodean
• unlike
• counter
• dissimilar
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• inverse
• alien
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

Psychedelics, even when used in pursuit of enlightenment, induce an isolated, individual experience that is ultimately antithetical to that of the Communion table of bread and wine, where all are welcome, and all are nourished with the same Substance. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 July 2025

The best rom-coms derive tension from the fact that such adjustment is antithetical to the development of romance. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025

That sort of corrections system is antithetical to privatized prisons focused on profits, Alexander said. —Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

The core group who ran the country in the last two years may have been as antithetical to the positives of business as any that our history has recorded, maybe even in the first years of Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, maybe worse. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 June 2025

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